HAMPSHIRE vet Bob Russell has the knack of getting the best out of animals.

His Jack Russell terrier, Lucy, has been coaxed to the grand old age of 23, and his 12-year-old border collie, Dan, is full of bounce, even though he lost a leg in a car accident two years ago.

Now Bob plans to spread his pet panache among the cuddly creatures of Hythe.

With veterinary nurse Helen Jefferies, he has opened the Pet Healthcare Centre in Pylewell Road.

It's a small operation, and Bob aims to keep it that way, although his laboratory is stocked with the very latest in veterinary equipment.

"I've done the big practice thing, now I want to work where I get to know everyone's name, and the names of their pets too," he said.

The new centre opened last week and there has been a steady stream of interested people with animals through its doors from day one.

"I am staggered at the amount of people coming in. We haven't even got our posters up on the wall yet, so the surgery looks a bit stark," said Bob.

"I've already seen a good variety of local pets, from dogs, cats and rabbits to a hamster who needed his nails clipped."

Nurse Helen is keen to set up a slimming club for paunchy pooches, and plans to hold puppy parties to help dogs gain social skills.

She said: "Getting on with other dogs is very important and it's best to learn early."

A second nurse will be joining ahead of schedule because of the unexpected level of business.

Bob said: "The message I've got from clients so far is that they appreciate the personal touch and a bit more time.

"They've seen the vets' programmes on TV and they want to know more about what we're doing for their pets. That's what we want to offer.

"If your child saw a different doctor every time you took him to the surgery, and just for a quick couple of minutes, you wouldn't be happy.

"Pets are members of the family, too."

Hythe's Pet Healthcare Centre is on (023) 8084 1000.